Interactionism: a personality model, but not yet a theory

Abstract

Four basic personality models (trait psychology, psychodynamics, situationism, and interactionism) were summarized. Special emphasis was given to interactional psychology as a model of personality theory and research. This was done in the context of controversial personality issues such as consistency versus specificity, mediating versus reaction variables, and so forth. Dynamic versus mechanistic interaction was discussed, and the role of situations in personality research and theory was presented. The interaction model of personality was described, and empirical support for the model with respect to anxiety was provided. Some suggested methodologies and strategies for examining interactionism were discussed, and directions for future research were indicated. Finally, the limitations of interactionism were presented, and we indicated that while interactionism is a model of personality, it is not yet a coherent personality theory.